Watson Helps Australia To Perfect Super 8s Start

Shane Watson is the best player in the world right now.

Behind another fantastic performance from Shane Watson, Australia continues to roll at the Super 8s round of the Twenty20 World Cup after beating South Africa by eight wickets on Sunday.

Watson took 2-29 with the ball before smashing 70 from just 47 balls as Australia cruised past South Africa’s total of 146.

South Africa’s saw their hope of reaching the next round briefly now out of their own hands. The loss against Australia, their second, meant the result between Pakistan and India would determine their fate, but India’s nine run win ensured that they would still have a chance.

The Proteas struggled early, slipping to 86-5 with JP Duminy the only respectable top end batsman with 30.

Morne Morkel claimed David Warner in the fourth over setting up the stage for some Watson magic. Mike Hussey and Watson produced a 99 run stand from 64 runs with Hussey eventually being the last man standing unbeaten on 45 as Australia reached the target of 147 for the loss of just two wickets. The man-of-the-match honour received by Watson was his fourth consecutive at the tournament.

Spinner Xavier Doherty shared in the wicket taking by nabbing the other three South African batsman for the cost of 20 runs.

The win was Australia’s second in the Super 8s round. They smashed India by nine wickets on Friday as Watson poured in 72 from 42 balls while David Warner also hit 63.

Australia has displayed some potent bowling in their two Super 8s wins; before holding South Africa to 146 they restricted India to just 140.